Understanding ABA Therapy: An In-Depth Exploration (Part 1)

Scratching the surface with a brief overview of Applied Behavior Analysis.

The information provided here is meant to provide clarity and re-assurance to families seeking ABA Therapy services–All recommended intervention strategies are unique and individualized to the learner and their family. *Don't let anyone tell you otherwise 😲

Applied Behavior Analysis...so fancy. Let's break this down.

Applied: Teaching and implementing interventions in natural settings rather than clinic or office based settings.

Initial services are typically implemented in the home and community based settings in order to apply support during day-to-day situations.
Recommended strategies are taught and coached in natural settings to have the greatest effect possible.
Teaching and Coaching can be done discretely, but there will ALWAYS be a plan to GENERALIZE and coach in the moment.

Behavior Analysis: Observing for patterns between the learner, their behavior, and the environment (the environment can include others response to their behavior)

A qualified clinician will first assess and evaluate the learners overall skills, style of learning, and patterns of interactions.
An Assessment should be thorough, and should not only specify a "Function", but should elaborate and describe why the learner is seeking that type of Escape, that type of Attention, etc.
Goals to help reduce problems behaviors should also emphasize teaching Functional Communication (FCT). How else can they get their needs met?
Replacement Behaviors (FCT) should MATCH the function and MEET the needs of the learner.
All interventions and recommended strategies should be monitored with detailed data collection.

Evidence Based Practice

The field of ABA emphasizes it's efficacy by relying on clinical research that has been proven to be effective, time and time again; by many different people.

Result's don't lie! However, understand that the research conducted was completed under specific and strict conditions, which are far different from the natural home settings in which ABA is now typically provided.

Behavior Advocacy Recommendations:

Ask Questions: Don't feel shy to ask your clinician why are they using a certain strategy. "How is this appropriate for my child (age, communication level, etc.)?"

Speak Up: If a strategy is uncomfortable, let your clinician know. Tell them your concerns so that they may either help to clarify or provide alternative strategies.

Pros and Cons: A qualified clinician will be able to recommend all available strategies and will let you know the potential outcomes and hurdles of each. It is ultimately YOUR CHOICE to accept or decline.

Ask for the Research: If a clinician is quoting articles, ask for a copy, ask for an break down of the article, it's efficacy, OR ask for a second opinion.